LA Galaxy coach Bruce Arena hopes Steven Gerrard will stay at the MLS club, after his side were eliminated from this season’s MLS Cup.

Gerrard’s contract with Galaxy is expiring, with suggestions the former Liverpool captain could return to Anfield in a coaching role.

After being beaten in the play-offs by Colorado Rapids, Gerrard’s career in LA seems over – as does that of his team-mate and former Reds striker, Robbie Keane – but Arena has left to door open for a return.

“We were honoured to have Stevie here as well as Robbie and are hopeful they continue to be part of our club,” Arena said.

Gerrard has made 39 appearances in two seasons in California, and was the only LA Galaxy player to take a penalty in his side’s shoot-out defeat to the Rapids at the weekend.

Read More

Returning from a near two-month injury lay-off, Arena praised his contribution – but admitted he remained in the dark about the midfielder’s future.

“If Sunday was his last game, to finish the way he finished with that penalty and the 45 minutes he played after being out for close to two months, was pretty impressive,” he added.

Back in January, Gerrard admitted he was edging towards retiring after his Galaxy contract expired, although he has yet to confirm his next move. “I’m not 100% sure but I think it will probably be my last year as a player,” he said.

He also said Liverpool were interested in his return, but revealed in September that discussions had not taken place.

“Jurgen Klopp’s his own man, he’s got his own team of people around him that he’s very happy and content with,” Gerrard said.

“Of course I’ve got a huge Liverpool connection and Liverpool is in my heart and always will be but there’s nothing to really comment on.

“There’s no future decision to work with Klopp, I get on very well with him, we’re in contact but there’s no job opportunity there at the moment.”